Winter might feel like the offseason for lawn care, but don’t let Houston’s mild weather fool you—your lawn still needs attention! Cooler months are the perfect time to give your yard some much needed love. Maintaining it during these cooler times ensures it is renewed from the season’s stresses and bounces back nicely when spring rolls around. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or looking for professional help, this guide will walk you through the essential do’s and don’ts for winter lawn care.
Do: Adjust Your Watering Schedule
Houston’s winters are mild, but they still bring cooler temperatures and less evaporation, which means your lawn doesn’t need as much water.
Why it matters: Overwatering during this time can lead to root rot, especially in dormant grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia.
Pro tip: Water deeply but less often, aiming for early mornings to prevent fungal growth. Skip watering altogether if the forecast calls for rain.
Not sure if your sprinkler system is set up correctly for the season? A quick inspection can make all the difference. If you are unsure of its controls or best settings feel free to reach out to us!
Do: Give Your Lawn a Winter Lawn Maintenance Health Check
Winter is the perfect time to assess what’s happening beneath the surface. Healthy grass starts with healthy soil.
What to do: A soil test can reveal pH levels and nutrient deficiencies, helping you plan for spring fertilization.
How we can help: Evergreen Lawn Care offers professional soil testing services to ensure your yard is ready for a lush season ahead.
Don’t: Leave Debris on Your Grass
We all get busy, but leaving things like toys, furniture, or trash on your lawn can cause long-term damage.
Why it’s a problem: Objects left on the grass block sunlight, smothering the grass and creating unsightly dead spots.
What you can do: Make it a habit to walk your yard weekly and clear any clutter.
Need an extra hand? Our yard cleanup services are designed to tackle this for you, leaving your lawn spotless and stress-free.
Do: Winter Lawn Maintenance By Keeping Winter Weeds at Bay
Even during the cooler months, pesky weeds can find a way to invade your lawn. Staying proactive with weed prevention will save you headaches come spring.
Why it matters: Winter weeds like annual bluegrass and chickweed thrive when your grass is dormant, stealing valuable nutrients and weakening your lawn’s overall health.
How to prevent it: Apply a pre-emergent herbicide early in the season to stop weeds before they sprout. Follow up with consistent biweekly or at least monthly mowing to prevent weeds from seeding and spreading. Following basic maintenance practices—like mowing, proper watering, and occasional fertilization—will also help thicken your grass and make it much healthier. A dense lawn naturally chokes out weeds, reducing their ability to establish and spread.
Don’t: Skip Leaf Cleanup
Fallen leaves may add a festive vibe, but letting them pile up can suffocate your lawn.
The smart move: Instead of raking, use a mulching mower to chop leaves into tiny pieces that decompose and enrich the soil.
Bonus tip: Mulching also saves time and reduces the need for fertilizers in the spring.
Do: Protect Your Lawn from Heavy Traffic
Dormant grass is delicate, and excessive foot traffic can lead to compacted soil and damaged turf.
How to handle it: Use stepping stones or create pathways for high-traffic areas. Avoid walking on wet or frosty grass whenever possible.
Learn more on best lawn practices for your lawn from Texas A&M Agrilife!
Don’t: Over-Mow
Winter lawn maintenance doesn’t mean absolutely no mowing, but it’s important to adjust your mowing frequency based on its needs. Typically a biweekly or at least a monthly service on both your lawn and garden is recommended, such as monitoring your watering, weeding, mulching, mowing and debris removal.
The rule of thumb: Keep your grass at 2.5–3 inches tall. Cutting it too short (known as “scalping”) can stress the roots and leave your lawn vulnerable to weeds and diseases.
How often: Mow only as needed, based on your lawn’s growth rate during the cooler months. A good rule of thumb for our relatively warm winters is a 2 week schedule or at least once every 4 weeks. It also depends on the level of cleanliness you want to present, so base it off of your needs and preferences, some may like a neat and tidy space during all weeks of the month and some don’t mind to leave it off for a little longer.
Why Winter Lawn Care Matters
Taking care of your lawn in winter isn’t just about appearances—it’s about setting your yard up for success in the spring. A little maintenance now saves you time, money, and effort down the line. Plus, a healthy lawn and garden adds value to your property year-round.
How Evergreen Outdoors Can Be Your Solution
If you’re short on time or unsure where to start, let Evergreen Outdoor Services take the guesswork out of winter maintenance. From yard cleanup services to sprinkler inspections and soil testing, we’re here to make sure your lawn thrives. Contact us today to schedule your winter lawn care services and get ready for a greener, healthier yard!
Winter in Houston doesn’t mean pressing pause on lawn care—it’s your chance to set the stage for a vibrant spring. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can keep your yard healthy and well-prepared, even during the cooler months. Whether you need advice or professional help, Evergreen Outdoor is just a call away!